What is the MRCPCH qualification?
MRCPCH stands for: Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) are the professional body who conduct the MRCPCH exams and are responsible for the postgraduate training of paediatricians in the UK.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health award the MRCPCH postgraduate qualification to doctors who have successfully passed the MRCPCH exams.
To register for a licence to practise via the postgraduate route, the GMC require international paediatricians to hold the MRCPCH qualification.
The MRCPCH qualification compromises of four individual exams, including three theory exams and one clinical exam. Candidates can take the theory exams in any order, but they can only take the clinical exam once they have passed all three of the below:
- Foundation of Practice (FOP)
- Theory and Science (TAS)
- Applied Knowledge in Practice (AKP)
MRCPCH Theory Exams
Each of the three MRCPCH theory exams are computer-based and are taken in an exam centre. There are numerous question styles used throughout the MRCPCH theory exams, but the most common is the single best answer style (SBA’s).
The core knowledge requirements for the theory exams can be found here.
Entry Requirements
Candidates wanting to take the MRCPCH theory exams must hold a GMC recognised primary medical qualification (PMQ).
Foundation of Practice (FOP): Theory exam structure
Formerly known as the MRCPCH Part 1A, the FOP exam lasts for 2 hours and 30 minutes and assesses a candidate’s knowledge, understanding and clinical decision making abilities. The purpose of this exam is to ensure that candidates have reached the standard of someone entering core specialist training.
It is part of both the MRCPCH and Diploma of Child Health (DCH) exams.
The questions are usually made up of the following:
- 79 SBA questions
- 6 EMQ questions
Questions will cover one aspect of the topic, for example:
- Choose the most likely diagnosis from the following
- Decide on the best treatment for each of these children
- Choose the organism which matches most closely each of the following case scenarios
Theory and Science (TAS): Theory exam structure
Previously known as the MRCPCH Part 1B, the TAS theory exam lasts for 2 hours and 30 minutes and tests the basic scientific, physiological and pharmacological principles of clinical practice, and of evidence-based practice.
The questions in this exam are generally made up of the following:
- 70 SBA questions
- 10 EMQ questions
Similarly to the questions in the FOP exam, they will cover one aspect of the topic.
Applied Knowledge in Practice (AKP): Theory exam structure
The AKP theory exam, which used to be known as the MRCPCH Part 2, is made up of 2 tests which last 2 hours and 30 minutes each. The AKP tests are both taken on the same day and will assess a candidate’s knowledge, understanding and clinical decision making abilities.
The exam is made up of the following:
- N of many questions.
- EMQ’s
- Photographic material data interpretation
- Case histories
Each of the exams will have the same approximate amount of total marks.
MRCPCH Question Styles
Best of Five
Best of five questions will test a candidates judgment and experience. A simple statement or short clinical scenario will lead into five possible options of which only one is completely correct (or more correct than the others from the given list).
They should only cover one aspect of the topic, so stems might be:
- which investigation is most likely to lead to a diagnosis?
- what is the most common cause of this?
Extended Matching Questions (EMQs)
EMQs are similar to best of five questions, however in this case, a list of 10 possible answers is offered with three statements or clinical scenarios. Again, all could be possible but only one is completely correct. These questions are usually accompanied by laboratory results that are similar but with differences.
Case histories
These questions are designed to assess a test takers ability in diagnosing, planning investigations and management. Case histories, including photographic material, and the results of physical examinations and investigations therefore make up each question.
Data interpretation
These questions will consist of either laboratory or graphical data, with candidates then being asked for their specific points of interpretation.
N of many
Only used in the AKP exam, N of many questions are similar to SBA questions, however, two or three answers are required from a longer list.
Dates, Locations and Cost
The MRCPCH theory exams can be taken worldwide, including the UK, Republic of Ireland, Malta, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Nepal , Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Trinidad.
Usually held three times a year, the costings for the exam very much depend on the location that applicants will be taking it in. Each exam will vary anywhere between £390 – £750 depending on which test you are taking. Please click here for details on the fees and dates for the Theory exams.
Royal College Resources
- For a full guide on the theory exams structure and syllabus, click here
- To purchase textbooks produced by the RCPCH, click here
- For a list of preparation courses run by the RCPCH, click here
- Foundation of Practice (FOP)
- Theory of Science (TAS)
- Applied Knowledge in Practice 1
- Applied Knowledge in Practice 2
MRCPCH Clinical Exam
Held on a hospital site, the MRCPCH clinical exam assesses whether candidates have reached the standard of clinical skills needed for any newly appointed ST4 in Paediatrics.
Entry Requirements
Before anybody can apply for MRCPCH clinical exam, they will need to have passed all three theory exams. The College also recommend that candidates have:
- completed a period of training lasting two and a half years from the graduation date on their diploma of medical qualification
- spent no less than 12 months in posts involving the care of emergency paediatric patients within the five years prior to the exam date
- spent six months of their first year after graduation as a house paediatrician. If not, then an additional six months in a post involving the care of emergency paediatric patients.
Exam Structure
Made up of 10 different stations working on a rotation basis, the MRCPCH clinical exam will test a candidates’ skills in a variety of areas within paediatrics.
Based at each station will be one examiner, but additional examiners may also be present for quality assurance. The 10 stations are as follows:
| Station 1 | Clinical station 1 (9 minutes) |
| Station 2 | Clinical station 2 (9 minutes) |
| Station 3 | Clinical station 3 (9 minutes) |
| Station 4 | Clinical station 4 (9 minutes) |
| Station 5 Red and Blue | Development station x 2 (22 minutes) |
| Station 6 Red and Blue | History station x 2 (22 minutes) |
| Station 7 | Communication A (9 minutes) |
| Station 8 | Communication B (9 minutes) |
| Station 9 | Video A (9 minutes) |
| Station 10 | Video B (9 minutes) |
Participants will be entitled to 4 minute breaks between each station, as well as 3-4 minutes of preparation before each circuit begins, meaning that the total circuit time is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.
These stations can occasionally be updated by the College. Please click here to view the very latest MRCPCH clinical information for candidates.
Dates, Locations and Cost
The MRCPCH clinical exam can be taken in the following countries: UK, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Singapore, Sudan, United Arab Emirates
Costings for the exam very much depend on the location that applicants will be taking it in, and can range from £765 – £1479. Please click here for the latest details about the fees and dates for the clinical exam.
Royal College Resources
- Information for Candidates – MRCPCH Clinical
- Anchor statement by station type – MRCPCH Clinical
- Combined mark sheet proofs – MRCPCH Clinical
- Technique for Clinical 1-4 and Development – MRCPCH Clinical
- How to Apply – MRCPCH
If you’re interested in working in the UK and would like to discuss the positions available in your specialty, and how we can assist you, please contact our team.
